“Hnnnm…” Winters groaned softly, cracking his eyes open as sleep slowly left him. His body reacted subconsciously as it registered unfamiliar surroundings. Instead of the small interior of his pod he was in a larger, organic space. Straw pricked his back and limbs, white light filtered in from the doorway and ceiling, he was lying down. That combination of factors sent a brief scare through him and his eyes flew open while his breathing and heartrate accelerated. In response, Io appeared in his visor, looking down at him with an expression he couldn’t quite place. She had a finger pressed to her lips.

‘Easy now…it’s alright sir, there’s no danger. Quite the opposite, in fact.’ With a wink she was gone, her mission accomplished as Winters felt his vitals steady out. As he allowed himself to focus less on the ‘where’ and more on the ‘what’ of his situation, he shortly became aware of a very pleasing warmth draped across him. Veera had shifted slightly during their first night together, throwing her left leg and arm across his body. Not wanting to disturb her, Winters rubbed the sleep from his eyes with his right hand and took a moment to observe his slumbering companion. She had taken to using his chest as a pillow, her breathing steadily placing the barest of pressure against his left flank. A smile played across his features as the events of the prior night returned to the fore of his mind. The darkness followed by firelight. Their anger, sorrow, and passion. Veera’s entrancing dance. Their waltz and the melding of two bodies. The fiery, sensual duel that was their first kiss. Winters hissed as he felt the inevitable reaction below his waist, adding to that typical morning male condition. For the briefest of moments he felt embarrassed, aroused by a simple kiss, but that faded quickly as he contemplated doing it again and found he enjoyed the idea very much. Sorry sweetie, but I need to move. He brought his left hand up to begin scratching Veera’s ears. The mewling purr she gave him as she emerged from her slumber was so undeniably adorable he found himself forgetting even his arousal as she sleepily looked up at him, blinking her eyes.

“I know I said I could get used to the scratches, but this is much…much…better…” She hummed, closing her eyes again as he continued his ministrations.

“Morning, feather kitten.” He whispered in reply, stretching his legs and arm out as she removed the weight of her limbs from his body.

“Good morning darling.” She cooed. “Sleep well?”

“Very, yes. Though I have to admit a chance to relieve myself would be appreciated.”

“End of the blockhouse on the left.” She replied easily, clearly unfazed by the topic of discussion.

“Right, be back in a minute then.” He promised, standing and stretching himself out fully before heading outside into the light of dawn. Veera remained on the bed and watched him go as bits and pieces of the prior night flitted through her thoughts. She couldn’t help herself as she purred again, feeling both completely smitten and conquering all at once.

“Hey, Io, are you still there?” Veera asked drowsily.

‘Good morning Veera. Yes, I am here.’ Io replied.

“How are you doing that?”

‘The connection between my hardware with the Lieutenant and your earpiece is sufficient that we should be able to communicate anywhere within the village. If he was back in his armor, that distance would extend significantly, in my direction at least.’ Io explained.

“What do you mean in your direction?” Veera asked, knowing that this human magic was well beyond her knowledge already.

‘Your earpiece only has so much power. The Lieutenant’s armor has much greater. You might not be able to reach us, but I can reach you. The effective range would be most of the way to your farm.’

“I see.”

‘Was that all you needed Veera?’

“Well no…I just wanted to thank you, actually.” Veera admitted. Io paused.

‘For what?’

“For helping to make last night one of the best moments of my life.”

‘You are most welcome Veera. I am happy that my partner has found affection here. He has been through much, though that is not to say that you have not.’

“Maybe that’s why we connected the way we did?” Veera mused idly. “You’re not…”

‘Jealous?’

“Uh…yeah.” Veera admitted, feeling self-conscious as she spoke to the disembodied voice.

‘Veera, I will admit I did go through a period of jealousy for about three days. I was discovering who I was…what I was. You need not worry yourself. You and I both care for the Lieutenant in our own way because of the kindness he has shown us in turn. You said last night that you and he are partners. That makes us all partners. Things are progressing most satisfactorily from my perspective. I would say you agree, no?’ Veera giggled.

“I would, most certainly. He’s an excellent kisser.”

‘Alright, maybe I am a little jealous. Hrrrm…’ Io made a thinking noise that struck Veera as most mischievous.

“Do I even want to know?”

‘Perhaps someday Veera. For now I look forward to seeing how you and the Lieutenant grow your relationship.’ Io finished, leaving Veera to remember anew the wonderful sensation of his lips on hers. She couldn’t help but break into a broad smile.

Winters found the outhouse easily enough, availing himself of the water trough outside when he was finished to splash some water on his face and wake himself fully. Replacing his visor, he looked up the main road, noting that he and Veera would likely be late to the festival again. He doubted she would mind much. There would be plenty of time for breakfast, to say nothing of her securing a “mate” on the first day. Today would truly be reserved for leisure. He shook his head, flinging droplets of water from his hair before walking back, finding Veera seated on the edge of her bed. She patted the space beside her.

“All good?” She asked, smiling at him as he joined her.

“Yeah, no problem. Your turn?”

“I’m fine, maybe after breakfast. For now…” She laid her head on his shoulder and took his hand in hers. “I want to enjoy my boyfriend.” She couldn’t contain a small giggle as she tried out the title for the first time.

“Sounds good to me.” Winters replied, leaning his head on hers, making sure not to flatten her ears or feathers too hard. “Is everything…are we…” He tried to ask before noticing Veera was shivering slightly and sniffling. “Veera?” She squeezed his hand to tell him she was ok.

“I’m sorry Russell. Just a bit…overwhelmed.” She whispered, clearly embarrassed. Even so, she continued, knowing that her partner deserved to hear her words. “I honestly didn’t know if I would live to see next year’s harvest festival, much less find someone. And now…I don’t know…I’m just wondering when the gods will decree enough is enough. When do I go back to that life? I’m scared Russell. I just got you and I’m already scared of losing you.” Io appeared in Winters’ visor. She said nothing, but looked like she was about to cry. He could hardly blame her, though he was happy to hear Veera’s words, sad as they were. He knew he could reassure Veera with his own words, but their new relationship allowed a much wider range of methods in which he could convey his devotion to her. Instead of replying, he tilted her chin up with a finger, meeting her joyful and tearful eyes with his. Without a word, he brought his lips to hers while gently lowering her back down onto the bed, thankful he’d had a chance to at least get a drink and wash away the morning breath. Veera’s tiny gasp was immediately captured by his mouth as he softly kissed her, gratified to feel her arms circle around his neck, holding him close. Her fur felt wonderful as it brushed against his hands and face, as did her lips on his. It was nothing like kissing a human, but he found it agreed with him. Winters hummed deep in his chest as Veera relaxed and responded to his kiss, clearly eager to refine her movements from what she’d learned the night before. She was still tentative, but she’d learned how to mimic the subtle movements of his upper and lower lip, alternating pressure and points of contact. He kept his tongue to himself, focused only on calming Veera. A few minutes later they broke away, breathing softly and staring warmly at each other. He was leaning over her, arms firmly planted on either side of her shoulders.

“The gods couldn’t kill me Veera. They will never keep me from you.” He promised. It was true that humanity might, but he felt confident enough going up against the planet of Mara. Her eyes narrowed as she smiled broadly, giving him a small nod and fluttering of feathers.

“You are…a wonderful kisser, Russell.” She breathed, tracing the line of her lips with a finger, reveling in the aftershocks. “I want to practice more with you.”

“I think I could be persuaded.” He winked at her. “You’re not so bad yourself, especially for someone who was just introduced to the concept.” She whacked his arm lightly and laughed. He shrugged, lowering his torso so that their upper bodies were flush with one another. He leaned to the side and whispered into her ear, feeling primal need beginning to flow through him. “There’s much, much more I want to teach you.” He informed her in a low voice, taking her ear ever so gently between his teeth for emphasis. Veera gasped and shuddered as her entire body responded to his act of dominance.

“Yes.” She replied breathlessly, knowing that in all likelihood if he asked for her maidenhood right then and there that she would give it to him. Winters gave her a brief peck on the lips and touched their noses together before withdrawing, deriving a certain satisfaction as he looked at his Cauthan girlfriend sprawled on the bed next to him, chest rising and falling as she tried to steady herself. Io was looking at him as though he’d grown another head.

‘I…wow.’ Was all she managed. Winters had the decency to look embarrassed.

“Sorry Io…guess you really are along for the ride, aren’t you?”

‘You could say that. None of this was in your records.’ She seemed surprised by that. Winters laughed heartily.

“Good lord I hope not! Court martial would have been the least of my worries!” He turned to Veera who was now sitting next to him again.

“Feeling better Veera?”

“Much better. Thank you Russell.”

“Believe me when I say it was my pleasure.” He gave a sultry reply, taking her hand and helping her to her feet. “Shall we head to the festival? Wouldn’t want to miss the rest, right?”

“Absolutely not. Let’s go!” She led him out the door with a smile on her face.

As the couple reached the festival arm in arm, it became clear that they’d arrived later than the day before. Many Cauthan were already enjoying breakfast and conversation around the fire pits, most of which were lit as the temperature had dropped overnight. Unlike the day before, there was quite a bit of activity at the various events and contests as well. Looking at one another, Winters noticed Veera seemed surprised which, in turn, surprised him.

“What’s up? Something off?” He asked, finding the occasional rubbing of her arm feathers against his side to be comforting.

“Well I suppose nothing too significant, but there does seem to be a sort of…urgency maybe…about the place. Do the young ones seem rather intense to you?”

“Not that I have anything to compare it to, but yes, I guess so. Wonder what’s up.”

“Maybe we can ask Zolta and Asha if we manage to find them. For now though, what would you like for breakfast?” Veera asked as they reached the front of the line for the baker, finding the cream pastries already sold out. Winters took his chin between his fingers, thinking deeply about his self-professed favorite meal of the day.

“If you’re willing to call in another bet, I’ve got an idea.” He informed her with a glint in his eye. She recognized it as the same look he had when he made her eggs in a basket. With a happy sigh she leaned into him.

“I trust you, boyfriend.” She informed him, a loving look in her eyes. There was no need for Io to translate the final word. The concept was completely foreign to the Cauthan and so had no word in their lexicon. Hearing her say it, in English no less, seemed to imbue the fairly trivial word with significant meaning. Smiling, he indicated a loaf of bread he thought would work nicely. Veera communicated their desire to the stall attendant and they moved on. Over the next several minutes they visited stalls to collect both meat and vegetables, selecting a dried chesko sausage, kina, and a gourd that Winters knew had a pliant, spreadable flesh. As they headed for the bench they’d shared the previous day, still open and available, they passed a large, jovial gathering of Cauthan eating breakfast and drinking tea. After picking out a familiar face and reviewing the various fur colorations around the fire, it became pretty clear to Winters what was going on. To his mild surprise, Zolta actually hailed him.

“Russell, Veera!” The young smith called out to them, sitting next to his mate who looked similarly overwhelmed. Winters smiled, steering Veera gently over. They greeted the two before Winters whispered to Veera.

“Can you tell their families that we extend our congratulations? Oh, and let Zolta and Asha know they’re welcome to join us!” Veera nodded, knowing Winters couldn’t resist any opportunity to be a hero, even if that meant removing a newly engaged couple from their understandably elated families for a couple of hours. As Veera conveyed their message it became clear that Zolta and Asha had, in their retelling, given Winters some amount of credit for their union.

“Thank you for the aid you’ve given my son.” Zolta’s father stood to thank Winters. He looked happy but Winters understood the tone of his voice. Veera helped him reply.

“You’ve raised a fine young man, and should be very proud. All I did was give him a little push.” He clapped the man on the shoulder before looking at Zolta. “We’re going to have some breakfast. Not that we insist or anything, but if you and Asha would like to join us, you’re welcome.” He nodded to the young lady before he and Veera departed. Once they’d reclaimed their bench, Winters drew his knife and began slicing what they’d acquired that morning. Veera looked on, eager to help. Winters explained.

“Pretty simple really, just thin slices of everything.” He requested, slicing the bread and spreading it with the inside of the gourd. If there was one thing he lamented more than the lack of alcohol on Mara, it was the lack of dairy products. With a sigh and a shrug he continued his task, handing each piece over to Veera who picked up on his idea quickly, placing slices of sausage and kina onto each.

“So Russell, what is this called?” She asked, wondering if this creation had a name as well.

“Nothing specific. I suppose you could call it an open faced sandwich, but this is a part of what most Europeans eat for breakfast.”

“Isn’t that where that man was from? The one with the…telescope?”

“Galileo, yeah. That’s the right area.” He remarked shortly, knowing an in depth explanation of sandwiches would have to touch on things like cheese, mustard, and other items that would require more discussion than he felt like that morning. He was plenty happy that Veera had forced the issue of their relationship the night before; he wanted at least a day or two to just focus on that. His budding homesickness wasn’t something he wanted to address yet, not when they were both so happy. Fortunately, his and Veera’s hunger demanded their attention and they began eating, a wonderful look on Veera’s face confirming to him that his idea for breakfast was on point. Shortly thereafter they were joined by what they assumed was the newest young couple in the village, themselves exempted of course.

“Hey you two! I see you decided to get away for a bit?” Veera greeted them as Winters handed Zolta the translator, shooting an apologetic look Asha’s way. Zolta groaned.

“I never thought I’d be so happy to see the two of you.” He admitted. “Let’s just say our families are…excited about our getting together.”

“Now Zolta, of course they are! Surely you can’t hold it against them?” Asha lightly scolded her mate, taking his hand in hers. “They’re happy for us.”

“I know they are Asha, and I’m not saying they shouldn’t be. I’m just not used to being the center of attention like that. Besides, I think I like it better when we’re alone.” He admitted as Winters chuckled.

“And being here solves either of those problems?” Asha asked.

“Actually yes, the first problem at least.” Zolta grinned, looking between Veera and Winters with a smug look of satisfaction. Winters arched his brow and looked over at Veera.

“Feather kitten, I do believe Zolta’s grown a bit big for his trousers. Shall we…clarify things?” He asked, looking deep into her eyes. A most impish pair of chocolate orbs greeted him.

“I have a better idea.” She whispered, standing up and sitting back down on the far side of the bench. She beckoned for Asha to scoot down next to her for a little girl talk. “So Asha, how’s Zolta been treating you?”

“He’s been quite the gentleman. And I do empathize, really. Between our friends and family and everyone else it’s been a long evening and morning. We barely got any time to dance last night! But…well…” She trailed off. Veera leaned in and whispered.

“It’s ok; we’ll keep it between us girls alright?” Asha’s tail wagged. It was clear she was eager to share but slightly embarrassed as well.

“The hugs have been really great!” Asha whispered back. “He says he picked it up from the two of you so…thanks!”

“They are pretty great, aren’t they?” Veera agreed.

“Wonderful. He’s so big and strong, feels like I’m surrounded by him…but in the best way possible.”

“It feels safe, doesn’t it?” Veera added her own experience.

“Yeah, it does.”

“Good. So you two have had at least a little time to yourselves?”

“Yes. But what about you? Where did the two of you run off to last night? We tried to find you again but couldn’t.” Asha informed her innocently. Veera’s feathers conveyed a complex message to her. Asha’s voice got even lower.

“You took him home?!”

“Mmm…you like hugs, Asha?”

“Very much so.”

“That’s not all I learned from the human. Let me tell you about kissing.” Veera placed her mouth right next to Asha’s ear and began whispering as the young woman’s eyes went wide.

“I don’t think I like that look.” Zolta mumbled, watching Asha’s expression change as Veera regaled her with some secret or another.

“Oh ye of little faith Zolta.” Winters smirked, thinking he understood what was happening. “I don’t think you’ll be complaining later.”

“Now I’m even more on edge. Anyway, what happened to the two of you last night? You just disappeared on us!” Winters looked up at the sky, wondering how to best explain.

“Veera took me home, verbally beat some sense into me, danced with me, and…well…” He shot the young apprentice a wide grin. “Let’s just say my walk to the festival was much shorter today.” Zolta understood immediately, punching Winters in the arm.

“Gods it’s about time Russell. So…” He leaned in, embarrassment creeping into his voice. “You and Veera…”

“Yes. What? You and Asha didn’t spend the night together?”

“Where would we?” Zolta hissed. “And wait…you mated her?!”

“No! Get you mind out of the gutter you scamp! I wouldn’t be so forward and barbaric with a virgin.” Winters insisted as Zolta backed away, looking suddenly unsure of himself.

“Wait…what do you…mean?”

‘Oh no…are we really going to give another Cauthan the talk?’ Io whined, though Winters noticed a particularly amused grin on her face.

“I don’t know Zolta. I don’t know how your species does things or even how your bodies work. Humans have our way but that revolves entirely around our ability to derive immense physical pleasure from the act of intercourse…and actions that lead up to intercourse. I don’t know anything about your kind in that regard so I won’t tell you what to do or what not to do with Asha. I trust you to treat her well. And I’m sure she does too. All I’ll say is communicate. Ask her what she likes and what she doesn’t like. That will get you most of the way, in and out of the bedroom.” He reassured Zolta, who looked grateful. It was true that courtship had some universal elements, but anything beyond that was much less clear. He didn’t want to tell Zolta one thing only to have Asha dislike it. He had plenty of his own learning to do when it came to female Cauthan physiology. “Well speak of the devil. Hello Asha.” The young maiden barely acknowledged the human, instead standing before her mate.

“Zolta?” She breathed, causing him to develop a distinct ‘deer in the headlights’ look.

“Uh…hi Asha wha-” He was cut off as his mate brought her hands gently to his face and pressed her lips to his. Winters couldn’t contain his laughter as Zolta began flailing his limbs about, taken completely aback by the human expression of emotion.

“Geez kid, learn to go with the flow!” Winters advised as he stood, allowing Asha to claim his spot and tentatively reclaim Zolta’s lips. He seemed to enjoy the gesture much more the second time around, their tails swaying gently and feathers fluttering. Veera sauntered up to Winters, delivering a peck of her own to his lips. She looked like a field officer who’d just won a decisive battlefield victory.

“Have I told you that you’re absolutely devious?” He asked playfully.

“You haven’t. You like?”

“I like. Way to turn the tables on them. You plan on sharing everything with Asha?”

“Can you think of a better way to help Zolta while also mercilessly teasing him?”

‘Truly the two of you are a wonderful union of destructive tendency.’ Io complimented them. Smiling, they sat down again to finish their food, allowing Zolta and Asha a few moments of peace to lean against one another and enjoy being close without interruption. Asha breathed a word of thanks to Veera who responded with her feathers.

Once they’d finished their food, Winters addressed Zolta again. “So do you two know what’s up with all your friends?”

“Yeah, things seem a little more…tense than usual today.” Veera added. Zolta and Asha looked at one another as Zolta told her what Winters had asked. She began giggling and hugged Zolta, looking over his shoulder at Winters and Veera.

“We may have had something to do with that.” She admitted in a tone that clearly indicated she was not sorry in the least.

“We…we did?” Zolta asked.

“Of course, love. You stole the prettiest maiden in the village on the first day of the festival without throwing a single punch. I’m sure none of the other men would admit it but I think you lit a fire under them. I know my friends are going to be a bit choosier this year. They forgive you, by the way.” Asha explained with great pride and satisfaction.

“Forgive me for what?”

“For being an absolute hyrven around them.”

“Sorry, not sorry.” Zolta insisted, earning him an end to the hug and a reproachful glare from Asha. Winters leaned over.

“Yes…yes you are.” He informed the youngster. Zolta relented.

“Sorry Asha, I’ll apologize to them later.”

“It’s just for them, alright? I’m very pleased with the result. You make me feel special and wanted.”

“You are.” Zolta affirmed, earning a smile from everyone present. Sensing that all was well in the world, Winters moved the topic of conversation on.

“So what are we doing today? Veera, didn’t you say there was some sort of race on the second day?”

“Yes, there is. It’s once around the village and back. Everyone participates so you get some real competition up front but everyone just has a good time for the most part. Even the older villagers like Gentia and Thantis will join, though they’ll go at their own pace, of course.”

“Then I suppose plenty of your friends will be raring to go Zolta, must feel good to already have a beautiful woman on your arm, eh?” Winters asked, bowing slightly to Asha. Zolta smiled and nodded as he conveyed the compliment. Winters turned back to Veera. “The race sounds like fun. Is it a morning or afternoon event?”

“It should be fairly soon actually. That way everyone can be back in time for lunch and…things just proceed apace until dusk.” Veera explained as Winters nodded. “Is there anything you wanted to do until then? I wouldn’t want you to miss anything!”

“I’m happy right here Veera.” He assured her, draping an arm over her shoulders. Almost instinctively Veera leaned into him, forming her body to his and settling in to enjoy the sharing of heat on a cool day.

“Me too darling, me too.”

For an hour or so the two couples enjoyed light conversation and the warmth of the fire, rousing themselves as the majority of the villagers began moving towards the eastern road. Veera could feel the excitement in the air, especially as they got close enough to see the other young men in Zolta’s cohort fighting their way to the front. For his part, Zolta had a very self-satisfied look on his face as he walked casually hand in hand with Asha. The four of them chose a position closer to the back, Winters and Veera having decided they would take this one easy.

“So, not to say anyone here is better or worse at this sort of thing, but if we do get separated, meet back at the fire?” Winters suggested, having honestly no idea how good Cauthan were at long distance running. As a human, he figured he had a pretty large advantage and didn’t want anyone wandering around thirsty and tired at the finish line looking for him. After an agreement was reached, Zolta and Asha moved away to talk to Asha’s friends. Winters turned to Veera. “So, how hard are you planning on going?”

“Enough to get the blood pumping. I won’t be sprinting though, if that’s what you’re asking. I’ll leave that to the single men.” Winters laughed.

“Feels really nice, doesn’t it?”

“Being together? Saying things like that? Absolutely.” She affirmed. “If you want to go ahead don’t worry. I’ll know where to find you.”

“After all the walking back and forth between your farm and here, I’m definitely not going to worry. But I’ll hang with you I think. No need to show off too much.” He winked at her.

“Oh? You’re that sure of yourself?” She ribbed him playfully.

“Maybe, maybe not.” He shrugged, not feeling as much of a need to prove himself now that he’d secured his woman. “It is the one thing my species is really good at though.”

“Not science, space travel, or romance?” She asked playfully.

“Good point. I meant physically. Earth is full of species with pretty intense physical adaptations. Humanity is actually…pretty weak and squishy, relatively speaking of course.” Veera wrapped a hand around his upper arm and squeezed as if to prove him wrong. Her paw only made it about halfway around. “You flatter me Veera, but I am serious. We have our brains and our ability to run for a very long time. Not fast, just long.” He finished explaining.

“Well, for what it’s worth, I still think you’re pretty great.” She laughed. “Let’s just enjoy the race, alright?”

“Right.” Winters agreed, bending down to stretch his hamstrings. He was about to transition to a quad stretch when something small and fluffy ran into him from behind. “Oh hey, you alright kid?” Winters looked down at his ‘assailant’, a young Cauthan boy who clearly hadn’t been looking where he was going. Winters knelt down and smiled, making sure not to show his teeth. “Hi!” He waved. The little boy just stared at him, awestruck. Veera cooed at them as a couple, likely the boy’s parents, finally caught up with him.

“We’re very sorry.” They began, but Winters held his hands up.

“No need to apologize. Someone’s just a bit curious I think, right kiddo?” He asked, poking the kid in the nose with a finger. He began giggling and brought his hands up to cover his muzzle. “Cute kid.” He looked at Veera, making sure she translated and that he wasn’t breaching any sort of lines regarding conduct with children. Based on everyone’s reaction he seemed to be in the clear. Even Io had reappeared, smiling down at the small bundle of curiosity. At that moment Antoth and the guards began to call for order so the race could begin. The child’s parents reached for him but he started crying and latched onto Winters’ leg, much to Io’s amusement.

“Don’t get too smug now Io, you know what this means, right?”

‘Sir…what are you…’

“Just giving the kid what he wants. Up you go then!” Winters said, hoisting the kid into the air and plopping him firmly on his shoulders. The young boy squealed with delight and immediately grabbed a fistful of Winters’ hair as well as his visor. Io squawked at the assault while Veera laughed. With great patience, Winters held up his hands and waited for the boy to grab onto those instead. Once that was done he looked a question at the boy’s parents, who seemed not totally pleased that their son was riding an alien. Veera began speaking to the parents, telling them that of course they could take him back now, but if he wanted to run the race on Winters’ shoulders then they would meet them at the finish line.

“Please?” The boy finally spoke, asking his parents if he could stay for the race.

‘How did you know what he wanted?’ Io asked.

“Male intuition.” Winters replied, enjoying his small revenge. Io dismissed him with a wave.

‘Yes yes, go be snarky and fatherly elsewhere.’

“So, we ok?” He asked Veera. It seemed that the boy’s father had warmed well enough to the idea. Eventually his mother agreed as well and Veera ensured them that she and Winters would return to the finish and await them. As they said their thanks, Antoth began the race with a yell. A great cheer went up from the villagers as the forward element began sprinting for the gate. “How much you want to bet they won’t maintain that pace?” Winters asked Veera as he started off at a gentle trot, allowing his passenger to become accustomed to his gait. The young cub began shouting gleefully.

“How long do you think the girls will be able to keep up with them?” Veera replied smartly. Indeed, few of the women had taken off at more than a brisk walk. Winters nodded, happy that Veera seemed intent on keeping up with him. By the time they reached the gate they had settled into a rhythm of breathing and stride, one they felt comfortable maintaining for the duration. The rest of the group had proceeded to the left once outside and they did the same.

“Feel like picking it up just a bit?” Winters asked Veera as the young one cried out to go faster. Her smiling reply was positively delightful to him.

“Sure! I think I understand what you were talking about yesterday.”

“What’s that?” Winters inquired between breaths.

“You said expending a lot of energy for no reason at all felt good. I’m finding I agree with you now that I have energy to spare!” Winters nodded to her as the two of them refocused on their pace, appreciating how frankly Veera had been recently in speaking of her past. He knew it was a touchy subject, but he hoped that it was a sign that she had warmed to their partnership, that she’d abandoned the notion of trying to do everything alone. He took a deep breath of cool air and looked up into the bright blue sky, painted with small clouds. He was glad they decided to run together. Io had even been kind enough to bring up a display of his heart and breathing rate as well as his average stride length, her love for observation and accumulation of data undaunted by the development of her humanity.

Thanks to Winters’ military training and Veera’s years-long conditioning thanks to the location of her farm, the two of them still managed to finish the race quickly, arriving back at the starting line about fifteen minutes after their start. Many of the young men were there, hands on their knees or laid out in the dirt huffing and puffing. Winters and Veera were breathing hard but were more than able to keep their composure. Winters showed Veera how to expand her chest capacity by placing her hands on the back of her head.

“That’s remarkable!” She exclaimed between breaths. “Thank you!”

“Not a problem. Neat little trick I learned as a kid.” Winters replied, allowing the young boy to remain atop his shoulders. He had been enthusiastic the whole way, though thankfully his screams of joy had transitioned into a more comfortable pattern of ooh’s, aah’s, and silence as the event reached its conclusion. Veera smiled at the cub and looked at her boyfriend.

“So, you want to tell my why it is that a…wait…how old are you Russell?” She asked suddenly, shocked that she’d never thought to ask before.

“I’m twenty four Veera, though that is in Earth years.”

‘Veera, the Lieutenant would be approximately twenty one and a half years old had he been born here on Mara. The two of you are very close in age.’ Io informed her, doing the requisite conversion of Maran to Earth years. The fact that they were so close in age seemed to make Veera quite happy. Removing her hands from her head, she placed one on his shoulder.

“As you were saying?” He prompted.

“Yes, as I was saying, how is it that a young man like you seems to have such an affinity for children? I don’t mind telling you it’s absurdly attractive and makes me wish you’d stop with all your wonderful romancing and…” She trailed off, remembering their young guest. Winters sucked in a particularly deep breath and looked at her with a molten gaze that turned retrospective as he answered.

“I can’t say for sure but, well…I was a bit of a brat when I was younger, to be honest. I had three siblings competing with me for my parents’ attention. I wasn’t strong or confident when I was younger. In the end I started lashing out verbally at the people who cared for me. My father didn’t have any of it though. He allowed me a few outbursts but once he realized it was a pattern he cracked down, hard. Eventually stuck me in the military; got me straightened out. First thing I did after basic was apologizing to my mother. I’m lucky I had a man like that in my life to stop me from going off the rails. I guess I just feel like I should pass that on, you know?” He explained as Veera moved her hands to his chest and planted a chaste kiss on his lips as he finished.

“Eww yucky!” Winters’ passenger protested, causing them both to chuckle at youthful innocence.

“Don’t listen to him.” He insisted.

“Your parents sound like wonderful people.” Veera told him sadly. “I hope…you get to see them again.”

“I hope you’ll be there when I do.” Winters told her firmly, knowing that even if it was unlikely, he wanted to strive for that future. Io appeared in his visor and gave him a long look and nod. If he felt that way about Veera, knowing all he’d have to do in order to potentially protect her from humanity, then there was hope that devotion would extend to her as well. Veera looked like she was about to cry. He brought a hand to her cheek. “No tears feather kitten, no tears.” She nodded and smiled.

“Mhm!”